Euro 2024: 11 Moments We’ll Never Forget
After a month of action-packed international European football England and Spain have crossed all the hurdles to reach the Euro 2024 final. During this period there were a lot of moments to cherish with host Germany dominating in the opening fixture to Spain’s fearless brand of football followed by some brilliant displays by teenager Lamine Yamal and some late goals adding to the drama.
Let’s look at the 11 such unforgettable moments ahead of the Euro 2024 final.
Dutch Dancing Dominates
The Netherlands brought a wave of joy to Euro 2024 with their infectious dance anthem, “Links Rechts” by Snollebollekes. Wherever the Dutch fans went they turned the streets into a dance floor.
Tens of thousands of fans young and old hopped side to side in unison reminding us that football is about fun and unity.
When the orange army arrived in any city, a party followed thanks to the simple words “left”, “right” and “jump”. Seeing a wave of tens of thousands (of all ages) hop side to side in unison is quite impressive. A nice reminder that fandom is about enjoyment and not chucking chairs at one another.
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Scotland’s Bittersweet Departure
Scotland’s journey ended in a mix of laughter and tears. John McGinn’s attempt at a traditional Bavarian dance in a Tyrolean hat was a memorable highlight.
The Dutch are not the only ones to light up the tournament with a jig. John McGinn landed in Bavaria, popped on a Tyrolean hat and did his best Schuhplattler in front of teammates and confused locals.
However, their exit from the tournament was marked by a last-minute defeat to Hungary leaving fans and players alike dreaming of what could have been.
Booze Showers: A Questionable Celebration
A troubling trend emerged as fans celebrated goals by throwing their drinks into the air. This often left young fans drenched and confused rather than joyous.
The sight of empty plastic glasses raining down on players and even coaches like Gareth Southgate became a common and somewhat unfortunate occurrence.
German Transport Woes
The myth of German efficiency took a hit during the tournament. Journalists and fans alike faced numerous delays and overcrowded trains sparking a flood of complaints on social media. It was a stark reminder that sometimes staying home has its advantages.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Euro 2024 was marked by unusual weather with rain and storms disrupting several matches. The sight of drenched fans dancing in the downpour became iconic, especially when the roof at Dortmund’s stadium failed to keep the rain out.
It added an unexpected but memorable twist to the summer tournament.
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Pitch Problems
Poor pitch conditions plagued many games leading to frequent slips and divots. UEFA faced criticism and had to promise improvements.
Players often had to act as impromptu groundskeepers fixing the turf during matches adding to the tournament’s quirky moments.
Mbappé’s Masked Struggles
Kylian Mbappé (one of the tournament’s biggest stars) donned a protective mask but failed to shine.
Despite high expectations, he only managed a single penalty against Poland. His subdued performance and semifinal exit at the hands of Spain left fans wanting more.
Teen Sensation Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, took the tournament by storm. His youth and talent were a stark contrast to the seasoned players around him. While most of us debated the right time to open a bottle of wine Yamal was busy delivering some high-quality football and living the dream.
A Neighborhood’s Pride: In the Barcelona suburb of Mataró pride ran high as locals celebrated Lamine Yamal’s success. The postal code 08304 became a symbol of hope and achievement proving that football can inspire communities far beyond the pitch.
If you talk about Euro 2024 that will always remind you who Lamine Yamal is.
Ronaldo’s Tears
Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional reaction to missing a crucial penalty against Slovenia was a poignant moment. Although he did step up for the penalty shootout in the quarterfinal and eventually converted from the spot.
But despite his best efforts, Portugal fell to France in a shootout. Yet Ronaldo’s passion and dedication showed why he remains one of football’s greatest.
Fan Signs: Food Wars
Fans brought humor to the stands with signs comparing their national dishes. From “Fondue better than goulash” to “Schnitzel better than baguette,” these witty signs added a light-hearted touch to the intense competition.
Inspirational Shamelessness
World Cup winner Geoff Hurst’s comment on supporting England from pubs and bars while enjoying a Budweiser was a reminder of the simple joys of football fandom. His words encapsulated the spirit of Euro 2024 where the love for the game transcended the stadiums.
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